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A pitch for philanthropy

Art by Jerry Neumann, and story by Jordan Ramos. Featured in the upcoming August issue of Vine Line.

There’s no doubt that Kerry Wood has made an impact in Chicago ever since he was a 20-year-old rookie. But now, as one of the Cubs’ veteran leaders, Wood is looking to make an even wider impact with his new charitable foundation.

In late June, Kerry and his wife, Sarah, announced the creation of the Wood Family Foundation, an organization that will benefit children’s charities throughout Chicagoland. They were joined by their three young children.
“Sarah and I have committed ourselves to Chicago, and I would like to use my success on and off the field to help grow a foundation that will make a difference in a child’s life,” Wood said.

Two of the foundation’s initial projects will be a playroom for children receiving cancer treatment at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and a high school baseball field for students in an underserved area. Clothing, school-supply and toy drives will also be sponsored by the Wood family.

The first official event will continue a tradition that has raised over $2 million since 2001. The sixth-annual Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament will offer fans the opportunity to team up with Cubs players and local celebrities. It takes place Sept. 18 at the 10pin Bowling Lounge and Hotel Sax in Chicago.

“This is something we’ve dedicated our lives to, especially after baseball is over,” said Wood, who returned to the Cubs as a free agent on an undermarket deal. “We’re back here [in Chicago]. We’re excited to be here for a long time and help out.”

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